Zero

Part 7

The only sound that hits Mark's ears is his car keys jingling in his left pocket. It has been a while (a year) since he visited your apartment. He didn't know the elevator wasn't working, so he was forced to walk up three flights of stairs. He is breathless by the time he arrives at you door, taking a moment to collect himself. After a deep exhale, he knocks hesitantly at your door. He hears you shuffle toward the door, and a slight pause. You always looked through the small hole above your door before answering. He hears the lock click, and you open the door. Your hair is wet and half plastered to the side of your face. You're wearing a bathrobe and fuzzy slippers. Mark would probably have teased you in the past for this outfit, but you don't seem to be in a joking mood right now.

You step away from the door, giving Mark space to enter. You shut the door behind you and defensively cross your arms. Mark isn't sure why you're acting like that considered YOU were the one asking him to come. Mark decides he is done with your games. He eases his fingers through his hair, letting out a sigh. "You mind telling me what this about, Y/N?" He knows his voice is dripping with irritation.

You finally uncross you're arms, instead balling your hands into fists. "I don't want you dating my intern. Actually, I won't allow it." Mark let's out a dry laugh. "Y/N, Sana was the one who asked me out. Chill. We are both adults." You roll your eyes. "That isn't the point Mark."  Mark rips off his jacket and angrily throws it on the floor. "Then WHAT is this about, Y/N?!" You jolt backwards, and Mark immediately feels guilty. He didn't mean to scare you...He was just angry.

You let out a shaky sigh before blurting out: "I know what you've been doing since we broke up. You fuck girls on tinder and then don't see them again. I don't want Sana getting hurt." Mark clenches his jaw, trying to keep his anger from completely overflowing and scaring you. "Funny to hear that coming from YOU. You're the one fucking your business partner. Which by the way, Y/N, is not professional." Your face immediately turns pale. He caught you off guard, obviously.

Mark sighs and looks at you. "You have no right to be judging me. Unless you want to be a total hypocrite?" Your lips move as if you want to speak. However, no words come out. Mark waits for a response, stating at his feet. He is startled by the sound of you sniffling. "You're right, Mark. I'm a giant hypocrite." Mark looks up and sees you are crying.

His hard exterior begins to melt, softening as he sees your tears. "This isn't really about Sana, is it?" You slowly nod your head, wiping your tear stained face. "I just wanted to see you....I miss you. You've been pulling away from me. I know you are." Mark tries to control the bubbling pit of affection in his stomach. You blink and step towards him. "I just want you in my life, Mark. I love you." Mark's body erupts in goosebumps and he immediately starts backing away from you.

You pause and add, "I mean...as a friend of course." You just about stabbed him and twisted the knife in with that comment. Something inside Mark breaks, and he decides this is it. "Y/N, I can't be around you anymore I'm sorry. I think we shouldn't meet up...At all." Your eyes widen, and you immediately start to sob. "Why?? Why are you punishing me?!"

Mark lets the back of his head hit the wall. So you weren't toying with him. You were just incredibly dim witted and foolishly kept him in your life. "Y/N, it hurts me to be around you." Your face turns pale and you cover your ears. "No! Mark! Why are you being like this!?" Mark gently removes your hands away from your ears. He gazes at you tenderly before cupping your chin. "Y/N, I'm still in love with you. I can't be around you like this. Every time you call, every time you post something, every time you ask to meet up....It is eating away at me. I know we will never be just friends. I can't. That is why you have to let me go."

Your lips shake, and your eyes desperately search his face. "Mark...I don't understand. Why are you telling me this now??? Why didn't you tell me before??" Mark smiles softly. "I guess I didn't have the courage to do so. Until now." Mark bends down and picks up his discarded jacket.

"I'm sorry it had to end this way, Y/N. You know the truth now- at least. Please don't try and call me." Mark starts to walk away, but you run up behind him and pull on his sleeve. "Please, Mark. Stay. We can...We can talk about this...Sort this out?" Mark turns to face you and pats your head. "Y/N, we both know what the best thing to do is."

With that, Mark exits your apartment. He can hear your wails as he begins to descend the staircase. He made you cry more in one week than the entirety of your relationship.

Life was funny that way.

As Mark drives home, he feels lighter. He had been agonizing over this confrontation for months. It hurt him to see you cry, it did. Yet, he also knew you'd understand in the end. If you truly considered him as a friend, you'd respect his decision. Mark wasn't sure how much time he would need, but he knew it would be a long time before he could face you again.